A glamorous fundraising ball. Snow too deep for T-strap shoes. And the charity’s chairwoman found dead.Can a spirited young detective solve a murder — and save a village orphanage in time for Christmas?England, 1922. Celebrated sleuth Lady Felicity Quick and dashing reporter Mr Alexander Cooper are juggling their careers with wedding plans — but they can’t ignore a local charity in desperate need.
With its organiser taken ill, Felicity rescues the fundraising ball that means everything to a struggling village orphanage. But when a blizzard hits and the charity’s formidable chairwoman turns up lifeless in the snow, the glittering gala takes a dark turn…
Police dismiss the death as unrelated to the event or the orphanage. Yet as Felicity untangles local gossip, hidden rivalries, and long-held secrets, someone is determined to keep the past buried — whatever the cost.
Can Felicity solve a murder, rescue a children’s home, and survive long enough to see Christmas? Or will a cold-blooded killer put her future on ice?
If you love clever, warm-hearted heroines like Lady Eleanor Swift and Miss Marple, and the atmospheric historical mysteries of Helena Dixon and T.E. Kinsey, you’ll be swept away by Murder at the Winter Gala.
Start reading now for a sparkling mystery full of charm, wit, and winter intrigue!
Rosie Hunt is a British author of cozy mysteries both puzzling and historical. Her books include the Lady Felicity Quick mystery series set in the green and pleasant countryside of southwest England in the 1920s.
A history addict and former journalist, Rosie grew up immersed in the worlds of Poirot and Miss Marple. This early exposure to baffling murder mysteries rather coloured her outlook on life, and it was only a matter of time before she wrote her own.
Rosie loves clotted cream, knitting, and Golden Age crime fiction and never misses an opportunity to visit a National Trust property. She lives with her husband and their fluffy, four-pawed overlord on a river in Northern Europe.
This one was a real head scratcher. I mean who would think that a charity gala to raise funds for an orphanage could be the cover for so many secrets. I was at a loss but I did enjoy the juxtaposition between a police investigation and a gala and Felicity straddling the line between both. She certainly underestimates her abilities I think. Or perhaps that’s just a female thing to demure or deflect praise that you’ve rightly earned. But that’s a tangent we don’t need to go down. I absolutely loved all the interludes with Pip! Every time he was spoken about in his little snow booties I couldn’t help but giggle at the image it conjured. Absolutely another winner in this series!
I was delighted to receive an advance copy of Murder at the Winter Gala and to pick up with the latest adventure for Lady Felicity Quick and her fiancée, Alex Cooper. The story starts with the murder of a lady in a neighboring village who is a difficult force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, she is also the chairwoman of the committee in charge of the Winter Gala which benefits the local orphanage. It is up to Lady Felicity to not only step in as committee chair, but also to unravel all the tangled threads regarding not just the murder but missing funds from the orphanage as well as missing jewels and another “mishap” during the festivities. With Alex by her side, Lady Felicity pulls off not only an outstanding event, but discovers the perpetrators of a number of crimes that crop up as well as solving the murder. A true feel-good Christmas read that speaks to the joy and hope of the season.
Murder at the Winter Gala by Rosie Hunt is a Lady Felicity Quick cozy mystery. Felicity has found herself not only on the committee for the village gala raising money for the local orphanage, but when the committee chair and the driving force behind the gala is found murdered, she was then in charge. She had to postpone the wedding between she and Alex to take on this new responsibility, but in typical Lady Felicity style, she forges ahead, never considering failure. Soon, everything was on track and the news of the murder had inspired an uptick in attendance made it appear that it would be the best ever. Several bad things happened, a man was shot through the leg with an arrow, and there were some thefts, but by and large everything was progressing splendidly. Felicity had drafted some of her grandmother’s staff to help and they did splendidly.
Lady Felicity Quick has gained a reputation as an investigator, so of course, everyone expected her to solve this murder. The local constabulary was more than happy to let her assist as the detectives from the city had yet to arrive. That fact was being kept from the press by Alex, Felicity’s intrepid reporter fiance. Felicity, as always is upbeat and friendly, turning members of the committee, the community, and the gala attendees firmly to her support. Felicity is a delightful and quirky character, the perfect match for her clever and creative fiance. The murder and the other more minor crimes were solved and turned out to be related, although not directly. Always an enjoyable time, reading a Lady Felicity Quick novel.
I was invited to read Murder at the Winter Gala by the author, distributed by Bookfunnel. All thought and opinions are mine. #Bookfunnel #RosieHunt #MurderAtTheWinterGala
Lady Felicity has agreed to step up and organize the annual Winter Gala benefiting the local orphanage. However, two days before the festivities are to begin there is an unexpected snow storm, and she and the trustees find the chairwoman deceased in a snowdrift. Deciding to carry on with the gala for the sake of the children, Felicity does all she can to make the gala go off without a hitch. But, hitches, there are. Thefts, secrets, and sour personal relationships compel her to investigate.
MURDER AT THE WINTER GALA is the tenth book in the Lady Felicity Quick mystery series but the first book I have read. I had no trouble jumping right in to read as a standalone of sorts. I am sure readers get a real sense of the characters by reading the other books, and I intend to go back and read them all. I really like Lady Felicity and her dog Pip.
The details of the gala and characters really bring the 1920s to life. I felt like I was there enjoying the cold and gaieties. The plot is well thought out with clues and red herrings. For the most part, the pace is good, but it does lag a bit here and there.
I really enjoyed MURDER AT THE WINTER GALA and recommend it to any historical mystery fan.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery set during the Christmas season. The events occur during a Winter Gala that is intended to move those who attend into the Christmas spirit and the celebrations of the season.
Lady Felicity finds herself involved in a Winter Gala to help an orphanage raise money. When the chairwoman of the orphanage board is mysteriously found dead in a snowbank, the gala and orphanage are put at risk of losing their primary source of funding. Many didn’t like the victim but would any of them have gone so far as to murder her or was it an unfortunate if not bizarre accident? Can Lady Felicity and Alex solve the mystery along with the thefts that seem to be occurring while saving the reputation of the orphanage and the fundraising efforts of the Winter Gala?
This puzzling mystery will keep you engaged until the end trying to determine where it might go next. Could the crimes have been committed by one of the children at the orphanage, by one of those most closely involved with running and supporting the orphanage or by someone from the community? You’ll have to read it through to the end to unravel the mystery, who did what, and find out if the orphanage is saved for the children or will be shut for good.
Murder at the Winter Gala by Rosie Hunt is the tenth book in the Lady Felicity Quick Mystery Series. It is late in 1922. The organizer of the annual festival in support of a nearby orphanage is ill. Lady Felicity, writer for her brother's newspaper and for a women's periodical, and amateur detective, steps in to take charge.
As the orphanage's trustees arrive to begin planning their chairwoman is found dead in a snowbank outside her home. The story proceeds with both her planning for the event and her investigation of the death at a time when she should be planning her upcoming wedding to reporter Alex Cooper.
Assisted by Alex, and by members of her domestic staff, Felicity uncovers fiscal mismanagement and complex personal relationships involving interesting characters. There are a number of twists and turns leading to dead ends and an ending I didn't see coming.
This book is written so that it can be read as a standalone even though it includes a few of the regular characters from earlier books in the series.
This is the first book I have read in the Lady Felicity Quick Mystery series, and I am sorry I had not discovered this series sooner! The author does an fantastic job recreating a 1920s two day winter party with feasting, music, dancing, sports and other merriment providing the stage for an intriguing murder mystery.
In contrast to other winter/holiday cozy mysteries I have read, the "winter gala" is central to the plot and every detail is described so well that I had to keep looking out my window to see if snow was falling. There are multiple mysteries in the book, as well as uncertainty for the survival of the children's orphanage, which Lady Felicity (with some help from her fiance Alex and her dog Pip) solves through thorough observation and deduction in the style of Holmes himself.
Overall, it is a most delightful book and I can highly recommend it, especially at this season of the year.
Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy for my reading pleasure!
Felicity has her work cut out for her here when she has to take charge of the organisation of the winter gala when the chairperson of the trustees is found dead. Was it an accident or something worse?
There's lots of characters here with the arrival of many people to the gala, some of which seem to have a connection to the place. The victim was also not liked so no shortage of possible suspects. There's also the matter of snow and some thefts to contend with.
I loved the snowbound setting and how Felicity ends up sleuthing despite her own intentions not to. The orphanage story was quite heartwarming and I loved how things panned out. There's an intriguing end and I can't wait to see where it leads to.
Lady Felicity Quick has agreed to step in and help organize the Sweetbrooke Winter Gala, which benefits the local orphanage. But when the gala chairwoman is found dead, and foul play is suspected, can Cici save the day and unmask a murderer? An engaging historical mystery, with a diverse cast of characters, a few twists and turns, lots of snow, and of course, Pip for entertainment! I have enjoyed all of the entries in this series, and this one is no different. Cici and Alex investigate with the cooperation of the new village constable, and it’s quite a convoluted investigation! Will Cici and Alex figure out the culprit before more deaths occur? Highly recommended series! I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Lady Felicity Quick is back with her fiance Alex and Yorkshire terrier Pip in tow for an orphanage fundraiser set in the midst of the Christmas season. However, there might be a Scrooge of two in the mix when the chairwoman is found dead, jewels gone missing, and another guest gets injured during the season of giving.
With so many possible suspects from the residents to the guest to the staff and finally the orphans themselves it may be hard to keep track so definitely needed that cast of characters to avoid getting lost, especially with all the twist and turns that unfolds throughout.
I received a complimentary ARC but am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
4.5 stars. This episode is well into a series that I just discovered and am quite enjoying. The main character is Lady Felicity Quick, a journalist and clever solver of mysteries. It’s set in the 1920s and has descriptions that really helped me picture the clothes and scenes. The story had a number of characters and red herrings that kept me guessing at who was involved in the crimes. A couple times it dragged a bit but overall it’s a good read with great characters. I look forward to reading more!
I received an ARC and I was able to follow the story as a stand alone without having read the prior books in the series.
Book 10 was the first introduction I had to Lady Felicity and I'm so glad we've met!
Set near Christmas, this wintertime adventure of Felicity and her fiancee is a marvelous puzzle not only of who did it, but why. One thing I thought most refreshing from this piece of period fiction was the opportunities given to young women. So often women and girls are portrayed as stuck in only certain positions or roles in society or life in general, yet Ms. Hunt has provided a way for them to begin the trailblazing that we 'modern' women frequently take for granted.
I can't wait to go back and read the other nine stories!
She has a lot on and yet she is still led by her heart to try and ensure that the orphans who need financial support, get it it! It's complicated and the many twists and turns in this story certainly keep it interesting. Even the weather contributed to making it all a little more complicated! And Felicity and Alex epitomise great team work - and always come through in the end!
Although it is book 10 in the series, it stands alone well, although if you enjoy a British cozy I'd recommend you go back and read the others!
With thanks to the author for my advance reader copy, the views expressed are my own.
Fascinating cozy mystery story of a community Winter Gala set in the 1920s. Perfect to read anytime but, in winter, a pure delight in the author’s description of the gala setting, the attire of the attendees of the various dinners, and yet, underlying all, the description of the orphans is sure to grab at one’s heart. Plus the marvelous Lady Felicity along with financee, Alex and her dog who need to find the mystery of the gala chairman and more. Even if this might be a new series to you, it works as a standalone book. Thanks to the author, Rosie Hunt, for an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.
Thank you so much to Rosie Hunt for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of Murder at the Winter Gala coming out November 18, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’ve wanted to check out her writing for a while. I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I need to read them. But I love cozy mysteries. I love the time period and the setting. Felicity and her dog Pip and Alex are fun characters. I think the book is perfect for the winter season. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
OMG. I love this series. Felicity is a modern woman, who makes herself heard in a world where women were starting to be recognized as independent entities from their male family members. Her fiancé, Alex, is also an interesting character, albeit a bit more tame than Felicity. And Pip, oh, gosh, I want to find someone who can make my pets the snow boots Pip is flaunting in this book. The story is really riveting, a murder just before a fundraising gala for the local orfanage. And the setting in a snowing Yuletide night just what the doctor ordered at this time of the year.
I enjoy Lady Felicity cozy mysteries and was happy to add this to my 5 star list. Also enjoyable is watching Felicity and Alexander draw closer to their own HEA. There were plenty of red herrings in this mystery and it wasn't easy to figure out who could be trying to undermine the orphanage. And there were lots of interesting side characters. Lots of questions to be answered with this story as well. Enjoy!
I loved this book. I think it is a great introduction to the Lady Felicity Quick series. The chapters flew by in a whirl of snow and mystery. I loved all the new characters, individual and quirky. Pip the dog made me laugh at his antics. The historical detail was well written and believable. The description of the village and the locals is true to life - made me smile at how realistic it was. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Book 10 in the series and the details of the gala really brought the1920s to life and there was no shortage of quirky character's to keep things interesting. The plot was good with the usual read herrings and kept you guessing my only complaint was with Lady Felicity saying she wasn't going to investigate over and over again when we all know she was it was just a little over done. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The mystery is impossible to put down! Intricate plot threads woven together in one mystery at the start that then cascade into separate streams ~ each needing to be solved sequentially! Personable main characters with a few curmudgeons thrown in for good measure. Loved the intricacy of the plot lines as well as the descriptive passages which open up life at the time to the reader. As always a definite recommend of Rosie Hunt's mysteries!
Lady Felicity Quick and her fiancé Alex Cooper are in the midst of a strange murder mystery. There is a lot more to this than meets the eye. Lots of suspense, secrets and humour to this intriguing read which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was great entertainment. It was baffling at times, tender and heartbreaking. I saw strengths in Lady Felicia that I'd barely glimpsed before. This is such a moving story with well-meaning characters. I just wished the best for them. This was a very well written story!!!!!
I love this series. It takes the reader back to the early 1900’s Never intentionally getting involved in solving crimes, Lady Felicity with her gentle questions and journalist instincts, is able to put clues together to solve the case. It was an enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Because it was for the orphanage, the trustees were prepared to put up with the bossy chairman, or so they thought, until she was found dead in the snow. Obviously, not everyone felt that her attitude was conducive to organizing charity galas.
Another good read about Lady Felicity and her cohort. I do enjoy the series and look forward each time to reading more about her, Pip and Alex.
A fabulous addition to an amazing series! Lady Felicity has such a kind and generous spirit. This complex mystery was full of interesting red herrings in a delightful wintry wonderland. A perfect read for the holidays.
Lies to the left, lies to the right, theft to the front and murder to the rear with Felicity standing in the center in the snow. What has she gotten herself into accepting the organization of the winter gala?
Well drawn characters. Overly drawn-out plot. I just didn't care after a while and wanted the book to finish. It's a cozy. We know it ends well. End it already.